Executive Chef

Coco's is a vibrant and high-energy beach restaurant renowned for its fresh flavors, exceptional seafood dishes, signature crush cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere that attracts a diverse clientele looking for a unique dining experience. Located on the picturesque waterfront, Coco's has built a strong reputation for blending the relaxed beach vibe with gourmet culinary delights, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, creating an environment where guests can enjoy elevated coastal cuisine in a lively and welcoming setting. Known for its seafood specialties crafted with locally sourced ingredients, Coco's menu reflects the spirit and flavors of the Maryland coast, delivering both classic and contemporary dishes that cater to a variety of palates. The team at Coco's embodies a passion for hospitality and culinary excellence, maintaining high standards that uphold the restaurant's esteemed status within the community. As part of the leadership team, employees are encouraged to contribute creativity and ensure seamless operations that enhance the overall dining experience.

The role of Executive Chef at Coco's is crucial to sustaining and elevating the restaurant's culinary reputation. This full-time position requires an individual with extensive experience leading culinary operations in a high-volume environment. The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house activities, focusing on food preparation, kitchen safety, sanitation, and staff performance. Creativity is essential as the position involves developing and maintaining seasonal, beach-inspired menus that resonate with the brand and delight the restaurant's guests. Managing food quality, portion control, and attractive plate presentation is fundamental to this role. Additionally, the Executive Chef is responsible for controlling food costs, minimizing waste, and ensuring inventory accuracy to meet profitability targets.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this role, with close interaction expected with the Director of Operations and ownership to refine menu offerings, introduce specials, and optimize kitchen workflows. The Executive Chef must also maintain compliance with health regulations, ensure the kitchen is a safe and clean environment, and oversee ordering and storage of supplies. Leading a dynamic kitchen team involves hiring, training, scheduling, and fostering a positive work culture to achieve high standards and staff retention. Working hand-in-hand with front-of-house leadership ensures a smooth exchange between kitchen and dining room, enhancing overall guest satisfaction. Maintenance of kitchen equipment and timely service coordination also fall under the responsibilities of this position.

This role demands a professional who can thrive under the unique pressures of a busy beach-restaurant environment, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Candidates should have a proven track record of creating innovative, Maryland-inspired menus and a comprehensive understanding of costing and inventory management. Flexibility in scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is required to meet the operational needs of the restaurant. Joining Coco's as Executive Chef offers an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team in a thriving coastal dining establishment committed to culinary excellence and memorable guest experiences.